Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast: Quick & Cheesy Bites (Print Version)

Air Fryer Egg and Cheese Toast is your new favorite quick meal! Get crispy, gooey goodness in minutes. Perfect for any time, any craving.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough or brioche recommended)
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or mozzarella)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 tbsp softened butter
05 - Pinch of salt
06 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Optional Extras & Finishing Touches

07 - 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
08 - Hot sauce or ketchup, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your bread. I usually go for two slices, a good thick-cut piece. Then, in a small bowl, crack your eggs – one for each slice of toast is usually enough, unless you like it super eggy! Give them a quick whisk with a fork, just enough to break the yolks and combine. Add a tiny pinch of salt and pepper here. This is where I sometimes forget the salt, and the toast ends up a little bland. Don't be like me!
02 - Now, spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This is crucial for that golden, crispy exterior. Honestly, I used to skip this, thinking it was extra calories, but it makes such a difference in texture and flavor. Place the buttered side *down* in your air fryer basket. You want that butter to crisp up beautifully. Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 375°F (190°C) – I learned that the hard way, remember my sad cheese story?
03 - Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture directly onto the unbuttered side of each bread slice, letting it pool slightly. This is where the magic starts! It might seem like a lot, but the bread soaks it up just right. Don't let it spill over the edges too much, or you'll have a bit of a mess in your air fryer basket. I usually use the back of a spoon to gently guide the egg, making a slight 'nest' in the middle. This ensures your creation comes out perfectly.
04 - Now for the best part: load up that egg with your favorite shredded cheese! I pile it on – no regrets here. The more cheese, the better, honestly. Carefully slide your bread slices into the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it! Every air fryer is a little different. You want the bread golden, the egg set, and the cheese bubbly and melted. That warm, cheesy smell will start filling your kitchen, I promise!
05 - After 5 minutes, peek inside. Is the cheese melted and slightly browned? Is the egg firm? If it needs a bit more time, give it another 1-2 minutes. Sometimes, if my eggs were extra large, it takes a tad longer. Don't be afraid to pull the basket out and check. You want that perfect balance of crispy toast and fully cooked, yet still soft, egg. This step is where you perfect your toast.
06 - Carefully remove your glorious toast from the basket. A spatula works wonders here. Transfer it to a plate, and if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions. A dash of hot sauce or ketchup on the side? Yes please! This dish is best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still wonderfully gooey and the toast is perfectly crisp. It’s such a simple pleasure, truly.

# Notes:

01 - Always preheat your air fryer! It makes all the difference for that crispy toast and perfectly cooked egg.
02 - If you're making a batch, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while the others cook.
03 - I've tried using egg whites only, and while it works, it loses some of that rich, eggy flavor. Stick with whole eggs for the best result.
04 - A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top of the cheese before air frying adds a lovely color and subtle smoky flavor.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - small bowl
03 - whisk/fork
04 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 18g